As a Brit living in France, for 10 years, I feel that it is time to share some thoughts.

I teach English to business people in the Dijon area. So far, with no exception, everyone of them that have expressed an opinion have said that that they cannot understand why UK would want to leave the EU. None of them are totally in favour of the EU but they believe the advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

Like Eddie Izzard said so eloquently recently, if you want to change something, you have to be a part of it. You cannot sit on the outside and change anything.

However, it is possible to express an opinion as Mr Obama has done today. He is the leader of a country that is far bigger in size and economically to Britain – the UK is similar in size to most US states so our influence on the world order is significantly less – I am sorry that this will upset many people who believe the UK is a major player in world politics.

In my opinion, it is similar to California demanding independence from the USA! Similarly to what has happened previously, many of the BREXITers are very quick to decry his opinion, but they are unable to come up with any facts, supposition or ideas as to what life would be like should the UK exit.

This is my main concern; a movement based on putting down the opposing view,without suggesting a credible alternative, with how the UK will stand, is significantly flawed.

Obviously from a personal view, I would like the UK to remain in Europe, but if the leave movement could give me some hard facts as to my and the UK’s position in the future were it to leave, I would be very happy to reconsider.

However, there is a deafening silence on this issue.

As an additional statement, the fact that Boris criticises Mr Obama as part Kenyan, given his own cosmopolitan background displays a crassness, that defies belief.

Rant over!!

Thanks to Andy West a member of one of the SY2E – Remain in the EU groups.